Esbabies.com Ewing Sarcoma

I was diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma when I was 19 years old November of 1983. I went months thinking the swelling in my leg was tendonitis and was put on anti-inflammatories and told to quit dancing and playing sports. I did, but nothing made the pain in my right leg go away. I would go everywhere with ice packs and Tylenol. Finally, upon a friends recommendation, I went to another Ortho. He looked at the same set of x-rays, now approximately 6 months old and immediately ordered a biopsy. I called my mom from the doctors office to tell her... I did not know what a biopsy was. She freaked because we thought I was going there for someone to get rid of this nasty case of tendonitis. AFter surgery, CT scans, bone scans... my life was turned upside down, but as most can relate, my biggest concern, at 19, was losing my hair.

Biopsy and surgery took place in November, 1893, the ortho opted to save my leg by and meticulously removing the tumor from my right tibia and surrounding muscles. However, I still have my leg, even though the functionality of the leg isn't 100%... but I still have my leg and more importantly, I have my life. I had 6 weeks of radiation and 18 months of chemotherapy.

It took me this long to start researching about Ewing's Sarcoma. I have tears in my eyes as I read the stories of others who only know what I experienced. When I read about some of the treatments, the diagnosis, and the locations, I almost feel peace. I only wish that when I was 19 there would have been first, the internet, and second, a place to go to find support.

I feel extremely lucky, when I look at stats and know how I kicked the %#$%#$% out of cancer. I am willing to help anyone struggling through this life changing experience. While this may be trite, yet expressed by many cancer patients... I wouldn't changed what happened to me, it's made me the person I am today.

Peace.

Right Tibia/Ewing's Sarcoma

Kerry

USA

ktrike@cox.net